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'" ' )ave Our Birds and Game. 



Methods Whereby Game and Wild Birds 
Can Best Be Protected and Cared For. 



Recommendations as to the Trapping and Care of Quail. 



JOSEPH KALBFUS, 
Secretary of Game Commission. 



HARRISBURG: 

C. E. AUGHINBAUGH, PRINTER TO THE STATE OE PENNSYLVANIA 

1910 



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D. OF D. 

MAY 7 1910 



CommonfcDealtl) of Pennsfplbania. 




OFFICE OF THE 
BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS. 

HARRISBURG, PA. 



Jan. 1, 1909 

Dear Sir: By act of Assembly, it is made the duty of tlie Board 
of Game Commissioners to protect the game and wild birds of this 
State, I take it this duty extends beyond matters specifically men- 
tioned in the statute. That the purpose of the law is to save the 
game and wild birds from extinction, and that it is as much my 
bounden duty to protect the game and, wild birds from destruction 
through the agency of four footed animals, predatory birds, or the 
(elements, as it is to say these same things shall not be taken by 
man, except under the letter of the law. I cannot believe that the 
Game law is intended for a purpose other than benefit to all the 
people of this State, or that it is my duty to arrest a poor man who 
may kill game out of season, when he needs the same for food, and 
then stand with folded arms and see game of like kind destroyed 
by storms, vermin, or wild animals, big or little. 

With the idea, then, that it is my duty to give all the protection 
in my power to the game and wild birds of the State, I desire to 
make some suggestions. 

I will not attempt in this paper, except in a limited way, to touch 
upon the value of the life work of the birds. I do want it under- 
stood, that as the illustration I may use shows the value of the 
bird named, so each family of our birds has its specialty, each doing 
a particular work that no other family attempts to do, except to a 
limited extent. 

Professor Surface, Economic Zoologist of this State, tells me that 
annual loss to Agriculture, in the United States, aggregates scores 
of millions of dollars from the ravages of plant lice alone. That 

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if that natural increase of plant lice was not curbed in some way, 
this world would not be inhabitable by man, at the end of ten years. 

One of the great protectors of plant lice is our common ant, 
which carries the egg of the plant louse below the frost line in win- 
ter, carries the young louse out and places it on the plant in the 
spring, getting therefrom, in return, what is known as honey dew, 
each ant protecting and caring for vast numbers of lice, just as the 
farmer cares for and protects his cattle, for the return they give. 

One of the great destroyers of ants is our common flicker or yellow 
hammer. This bird is the most terrestrial of all wood peckers, 
and takes fully seventy-five per cent, of his food on the ground. The 
examination of many of the stomachs of these birds has proven con- 
clusively that more than one-half of the food of this bird, the year 
round, is made up of ants, and demonstrated the capacity oT a single 
flicker to consume several thousand ants at one meal. 

No game bird seems to have a firmer hold upon the public mind 
than the common quail, or "Bob White," and a study of this bird, 
undertaken by the Biological Survey at Washington, demonstrates, 
by almost limitless examination and experiment, that the economic 
value of the quail is equalled by but few birds, and exceeded by 
none. His food supply is more varied than that of most birds, and 
is almost without exception, drawn from a source through which 
nothing but good can result. He consumes many things, such as 
potato bugs, chinch bugs, the cotton boll weavel, certain caterpillars, 
spiders and other insects, that most birds avoid, and that, when 
taken at all by such other birds, are eaten to a limited extent only. 
Professor Surface says, in his Bulletin of January, 1904: "No birds 
on the farm are more valuable as seed eaters and insect destroyers 
than the common quail." 

In addition to the value of the life work of all game birds, is the 
value that cannot be expressed in words or figures, of a day afield 
with gun and dog, and I know there is no sportsman who will not 
appreciate what I mean, when this is said. There is a benefit de- 
rived, that no one who fails to indulge in this sport can realize, a 
benefit that is not drawn through the killing of the birds only, and 
that comes to no two men exactly alike. The working of a dog speaks 
in different language to different men. From the moment the trail 
is struck until a dead bird, held only by the tip of a wing, is brought 
and laid at one's feet, all else, business cares and engagements, 
sorrows and joys outside, are alike forgotten, in the work of that dog. 

Three times to my certain knowledge, since I first began to take a 
special interest in this work, quail, because of severe winters, ravages 
by vermin, and the slaughter by market hunters, had become almost 
extinct in Pennsylvania. Three times the sportsmen of this State, 
as an organization, with a limited number of outsiders, went down 



into their pockets and furnished the cash wherewith to buy quail in 
other States and bring them into this State. 

During February, March and April of the year 1906, the Game 
Commission purchased and brought into this State from Alabama, 
about 3,700 quail, paying for same at the rate of nine (9) dollars per 
dozen, 6 males and 6 females. These birds were placed by Deputy 
Game Protectors in almost every county in the State. The only 
counties overlooked or passed, being those, like Philadelphia county, 
not adapted because of its dense population, to the raising of quail, 
or Cameron county where because of severe winters quail could not 
live, or counties wherein the people took so little interest in the 
work of game or bird protection as to either refuse, or neglect, to 
recommend the appointment of a protector within th^ir borders. 
Many quail have also been brought into the State by private in- 
dividuals. 

The same thing has been done for many years, and I feel perfectly 
safe in saying that were it not for this importation of quail, there 
would not be one single covey in this State to-day. The killing of 
these birds for the market has to a very great extent been stopped. 
So, likewise, have been closed the avenues through which live birds 
can be secured from the outside. A few years ago quail, for propa- 
gating purposes, could be secured without limit from almost every 
State of the South and West. To-day I can count the States upon 
the fingers of one hand, from which these birds can be secured for 
any purpose, the supply being limited from these States, and the 
price three and even five times what it was five years ago. Many of 
the States that only a few years ago were exporting quail, in ap- 
parently unlimited numbers, are to-day trying their best to secure a 
few thousand, or even hundreds, alive for propagating purposes. It 
is reported that more than 400,000 quail were shipped from Alabama 
alone during the year 1905. Some 30,000 of this number were shipped 
alive for restocking purposes. The balance being dead were invoiced 
to cold storage houses in the North. In 1906 the Legislature of Ala- 
bama forbade the shipment of quail, either living or dead, out of 
her boundaries. Thus another State closed its doors against us m 
this respect We are forced therefore, into the position where we 
must protect and save our own birds if we hope to have any in years 
to come Aside from statutory enactment, every citizen and lover of 
the quail has his work to do. I, therefore, beg each individual, I 
be<- the farmers, who derive more benefit from the life work of all 
kinds of birds than any other class, I beg the sportsman, with his 
limited benefits of a day afield, every boy and girl, who takes pleasure 
in our birds, every professed Christian of this State to "not pass by 
upon the other side." The winter, figuratively speaking, m its most 
terrible form is indeed at hand for our birds. Don't let them die. 



I assure you in protecting them, you are preserving your best friends 
and benefiting yourselves. 

You may liave a few quail in your neighborhood at this time, I 
beg of you, to be warned in time, care for these few birds before it 
is too late. It is hard enough for them to battle with vermin in the 
shape of crows, hawks, foxes, cats, weasels, etc., during that time of 
the year when their food supply is abundant, and they have the 
protection afforded by trees and bushes in full leaf, of weeds and 
grasses, all of which protection is denied them now. To-day almost 
every step they may take in quest of necessary food, is watched by 
some keen eyed enemy. You remember how some hawk or house 
cat or other predatory creature destroyed one, by one, the entire 
covey of quail, you saw after the season had closed some years ago. 
You remember that quail seemed to be everywhere one year, after 
the close of the gunning season, when along came a series of snows, 
covering the ground to a depth of several inches, and of course re- 
ducing the food supply of the birds. Y^'ou recollect how the snow laid 
for four, or five, or more, weeks and was followed by a cold rain, 
lasting for two or more days, ending finally in sleet and followed 
by zero weather, and this followed perhaps by drifting snows. In 
the first place the curtailed food supply, consequent upon the snow, 
greatly reduced the vitality of the quail, so that for the first twenty- 
four hours, after the rains began, they preferred to sit huddled to- 
gether, even though their stomachs were empty, rather than face 
the storm, after that, driven by fiercer hunger, they braved the ele- 
ments, securing no more food than before the rain began, and then, 
with every feather dripping, chilled to the bone, with still more 
greatly reduced vitality, they huddled for the last time, to die 
of cold, or to be smothered in the drifts that followed. I have seen 
quail, frozen in the sleet, and their remains along stump fences and 
under brush piles, when the snows had gone in the spring time. I 
know whereof I speak, and firmly believe that no power on earth can 
save our quail at such a time unh .^s it be, through trapping and feed- 
ing them in captivity. Y'^ou cannot afford to wait until the rains or 
the sleet comes, therefore I repeat "Be warned in time." 

CAPTUKE OF QUAIL. 

The law at this time permits the capture of quail from the first 
of January to the first of April following, for the purpose of keeping 
them alive during the winter and the additional purpose of separating 
a covey, but for no other purpose whatever. (See section 30 of the 
act of May 1st, 1909). And any method through which this can be 
accomplished without injury to the birds may be used. They may 
be led into a trap or net (see cut), by line of buckwheat or screen- 



ings or other food, aud after being captured they may be easily kept 
in cages or coops of proper dimeusions (see cut attached). 

Find where the birds are in the habit of feeding or running, set 
your net or trap in such place. 

Notice the strips running lengthwise of net. Their purpose is to 
widen that part of the net resting on the ground. Without them 
every particle of food can be taken by the birds without going into 
the net. 

Notice the light board with cross strips laid in the funnel of the 
net as shown in front view. This board while not absolutely neces- 
sary, is a great help in leading the birds into said net. The cross 
strips hold the food and help the birds to find the opening in the 
funnel. 

Sparrows can well be taken through the use of the same method 
if the mesh is small enough. 

Always keep a sharp watch over your net when it is set, making 
it a ')oint to look it over frequently each day, otherwise you may 
causi the destruction of the covey you hope to preserve, for when 
quail are thus caught in a net they fall easy victims to the attacks 
of cats, weasels, hawks or other predatory creatures. 

Eemember it is a violation of the law to trap or net quail for any 
purpose, excepting that of keeping them alive during the winter or 
for the purpose of separating a covey. All quail thus taken must 
be released as soon as the weather is suitable in the spring. The 
penalty for catching quail in this manner for any other purpose than 
that above stated as fixed by section 15 of the act of May 1, 1909, 
is fifty dollars for each offense. This is simply for the taking of the 
birds in any manner excepting with a gun. There is also a penalty 
of twenty-five dollars for each bird taken out of season, 

CARE OF QUAIL IN CAPTIVITY. 

A good plan is to secure a good size room, say fourteen feet by 
fourteen feet, being sure all openings whereby rats or weasels can 
enter are closed. Cover the windows with woven wire and leave 
it open so that plenty of fresh air will be given. The quail is a very 
hardy bird and is not liable to freeze, so long as it has plenty of 
food and is kept dry. I recommend that the birds be confined in 
boxes or coops especially provided for that purpose, said box to be 
placed in the room previously made vermin proof and well ventilated. 

A good box or coop (see cut) can be cheaply and easily made by 
taking two boards, say four feet in length and nine inches in height 
(1) not too high or too low. Nail crossways to these two boards 
other boards, say two and one-half or three feet in length (2), so 
that the short board will form the bottom and the long boards the 



8 

sides of the proposed coop or bos. Board up one end (3) placing 
wire netting, one inch mesh, on the other end. (4) First inserting 
a strip at the top of that end. (5). This strip serves the double 
purpose of a support to the sides and a foundation upon which to 
tack your wire. Eighteen or twenty inches from said wire end, 
fasten crossways in said form a board the same width of side boards, 
(6), thus making two compartments. From the middle of this board 
to the middle of the rear end and running parallel with the sides 
fasten a second partition (7j, thus making three compartments to 
the box. Before nailing the first described partition cut two open- 
ings. (8), about four inches by four inches, placing them so that 
they will come about the middle of the front end of each of the 
rear compartments, the purpose being to permit the quail, when 
frightened or disturbed to retreat through these openings into rear 
opening that will, when finished, be comparatively dark. Attach 
the blocks thus sawed out, with hinges, leather or otherwise, to 
serve as doors, so that the birds can be confined in either or both 
of the rear compartments as desired. 

You are ready now to affix the roof or cover of the coop which in 
all instances should be made of some rough, course cloth, such 
as can be obtained by ripping the sewed side and end of a cofi'ee 
sack. Cut this cloth, so that it will extend over both ends and 
sides of the box, at least three inches in all directions. Tack a light 
strip, (9) say one inch square, to the edge of this cloth, that will 
fall over the sides of the box. Adjust cover so that it extends 
equally over all parts, then tack securely to the middle division, 
the one running lengthways. No. 7. You then have a cover that 
can be turned back from either side to the middle. The birds can 
be driven to either side compartment and the door fastened with a 
button. By turning back the opposite side, the box can be easily 
and readily cleaned. The birds are to be fed and watered in com- 
partment having wire front. 

My method of watering is to affix tin boxes or troughs to either 
side of this compartment. These troughs are attached so that they 
are half inside (10) and half outside of said compartment and about 
four inches from the floor. The boxes are so affixed that they can 
be taken out at pleasure for. cleaning purposes. I find that if 
these watering troughs are placed too near the floor, the quail, which 
are great scratchers, will keep them constantly filled with dirt. 

In affixing water troughs I make a tin box, (11) say three inches 
deep, four inches wide by ten inches long, soldering on each end about 
one-third length across said ends a small piece of tin, (12) say two 
inches in length. This prevents the trough from slipping too far 
into the box, and serves as a fastening through the use of a button; 
or tack or other appliance that may be considered best. To adjust 
a trough of this kind I make measurement of same on the box, ex- 



actly where I desire to introduce it. I bore an inch hole at each end 
of this measurement and saw out strip from, hole to hole, as near 
an inch in width as possible. (13). From each of these holes, ex- 
actly where the end of the trough will come and so same can be in- 
serted therein, I make a saw cut at right angles with and above said 
first named cut, (14) these cuts being about twice as long as trough 
is high, all together making a figure something like the cut attached, 
No. 13 and 11, second view. If the cuts are made to correspond with 
sides of trough there will be no trouble whatever in introducing or 
removing same at pleasure. If adjusted in this way the troughs can 
readily be cleaned without danger of having the birds escape, the 
slot before mentioned being too narrow for a quail to pass through. 
For the purpose of giving more light and air, than would be ad- 
mitted through the cover alone, I suggest boring one inch holes 
about three inches apart along the outer sides of rear compartments 
(15) and partitions, placing these holes about three inches from the 
rtoor, or about breast high to the bird. If placed too high, or where 
the birds can readily see objects on the outside, they are more 
easily frightened, than when holes are placed as before indicated, 
near their feet. 

The sticks or slats attached to the edge of the cloth top can be 
easily tied with strings to staples driven ito the sides of the box, 
say one string and staple to each end of said strip and one in the 
middle. The cloth top can be drawn as tight as you please by means 
of these strings. Ends can also be tied, thus cutting off all avenues 
of escape. 

In the side of one of the dark, compartments I suggest an open- 
ing with door, in size, about as in the inside partition, (IG) so placed 
diat all parts of said compartments can be reached with your hand, 
thrust through this opening. The birds in this way can be i^^^em 
at pleasure, without danger of escape to the remainder of the bunchy 
I have experimented with a box of this kind and fee\ confident: 
I can keep three or even four dozen quail through t^^^ entire winter- 
in a coop of this size and construction. Quail are active and enier- 
getic and need plenty of room for exercise. The more room the 
better for them, and I only suggest this size. Larger boxes can 
be made if considered necessary. Points to be especially remembered 
are: 

Points to be Especially Eemembered. 

The birds should always be kept out of reach of vermin. Coops 
should be placed where they are safe from house cats. 

The birds should be placed so that the sunshine would be sure to 
reach them at some time during the day. 



:o 

They should be kept in a dry, well lighted, cool and airy place. 
Never in a room artificially heated, or in the dark, or in a damp place. 

They should be fed and watered regularly. Quail are great drink- 
ers and should not be stinted in their supply of water. See to it 
that jour throughs are large and that plenty of fresh water is sup- 
plied daily. 

Mixed food, such as buckwheat, cracked corn, screenings, millet, 
etc., is best. 

Coops should be cleaned frequently. 

Sand and gravel are as necessary as food. 

Koad dust or wood ashes should be supplied at least once a week, 
otherwise you may have trouble Avith lice. 

I think it very important that the boxes or coops should in no 
instance be higher than twelve inches, nine inches seems to me to 
be about the correct measure. If the boxes are made too high the 
birds are very apt to injure themselves in an attempted flight or 
effort to escape. If too low they are liable to injure the tops of their 
heads by jumping up against the cover. This disposition of quail 
to jump makes the placing of a soft cover to the box or coop im- 
perative. 

By this method many more birds will be saved than in any other 

way, as they will not be exposed to storms and to the attacks of 

their natural enemies. If a room or coop cannot be secured, hang 

up bundles of unthreshed grain, wheat, rye, buckwheat, millet, or 

anything that will supply the need, or, better still, build covers 

under which they can feed, choosing warm, protected corners along 

fences for this purpose. A good way is to drive two stakes, say ten 

.feet apart, and ten feet from the fence, lay a rail on the stakes, and 

Tails from the fence to this rail, cover with brush or corn stalks. Be 

•sure to leave all sides open, so that the birds, if attacked by an 

•enemy, such as a weasel, or house cat, can readily make their escape. 

-Build the cover about three feet high, so that while there will be 

plenty of light and air, it will be almost impossible for a hawk to 

strike the birds while feeding, which will be done if the cover it too 

high; scatter feed both threshed and unthreshed under this cover, 

see to it that yoTn* efforts are not undone by hawks, or house cats, or 

other predatory creatures. Two '■ or three covers of this kind will 

serve a good purpose on a'ly farm, and be followed by a full return 

for money and labor expended, through the work of the birds. 

Experiences teaches: That the idea of giving absolute protection 
to quail for a series of years, or to certain coveys on a farm, is not 
followed by the best results, unless the covey be trapped and sepa- 
rated, because, frequently two or three or more hen birds will lay 
in the same nest, the cock birds fight over them, and no hatching 
be the result. I therefore recommend the trapping of the birds in 



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11 

every instance where it is possible, not only for the purpose of keep- 
ing them alive during the winter, but also for the purpose of separat- 
ing a covey to increase the chances of propagation. Where the birds 
are trapped they can well be allowed to run together during the 
greater part of the winter. Two or three weeks before the^^ are to 
be liberated, divide them into pairs, placing a male and female in 
a separate box or cage, feed and keep together. The probability 
is that the birds will mate, in captivity, or at least become so well 
acquainted that they will mate after their release. This will result 
in a covey for each pair of birds. By takiixg the cage or box in which 
the birds are confined, during the night time, to the place where one 
hopes to see the birds propagate, taking off the cover or slats, sprink- 
ling food around, and going away quietly, the birds, when daylight 
comes, will be induced to come out without fright, will feed, move 
around, feed again, and remain in that locality, without flying to 
places where they cannot be looked after, or protected. 

Another good method is to take the birds to be released into the 
territory where you wish to place them. Take each bird securely 
in your hand, reach as far as possible into a brush pile and free the 
bird. A pair, or two, or more, can be placed in this way with very 
little trouble. In selecting a location for the birds be sure that they 
are placed near running water and where plenty of cover, such as 
briars and brush abound. Don't forget to scatter food frequently, 
say once or twice a week, at least, until the time comes when vege- 
tation starts and insects become plentiful. 

A little judicious handling and feeding will in all probability 
keep them there until the young are hatched, and frequently cause 
them to make that place their permanent home. If the covey you 
have trapped is released in pairs, on different days, on different parts 
of the farm, the probability is tliat they will not call together, but 
instead, will at once make preparations for housekeeping, with the 
result that several coveys will be found where you now have but 
oite. 

It is a well known fact that tlie male bird generally leads in the 
flight. I would suggest, therefore, as a means of keeping a pair of 
quail in a certain locality, that about two days before releasing the 
birds you pluck five of the large feathers from the tip of one wing 
of the male bird ; this, while not raking from the bird absolutely the 
power of flight, will cause it to fly in circles and prevent lengthy 
flights. The feathers will be renewed in about six weeks; in the 
meantime the birds will become fixed in the locality, and in all proba- 
bility have housekeeping started. 

Sportsmen and others interested in the preservation of the wild 
turkey should see to it that food of sufflcient quality, and an sufficient 



12 

quantity, be procured and placed during the winter months where 
it can be secured readily by these, the greatest of all game birds. 

Killing of Wild Birds Other Than Game Birds, 

I understand and appreciate the feeling of the farmer or fruit 
grower who sees the birds consuming his limited supply of berries 
or of fruit. I know his disposition to wreck vengeance, especially 
when he does not understand, that the previous work done by these 
very same birds, has made the crop upon which they were then feed- 
ing, possible. 

Some years ago, I arrested a farmer, living in the neighborhood 
of Harrisburg, for killing a dozen or more robins in his cabbage 
patch. He swore at the hearing before the Alderman that these 
birds were deliberately pulling up his cabbage plants, taking hold 
of them just as they took hold of a ground worm, pulling and hauling 
until the plant was torn out by the roots, after which it was cast 
aside, he saw these birds pull up hundreds of his plants, the law 
gave him the right to kill birds found destroying property and he 
had shot them. He was perfectly honest in his declarations in what 
he thought he had seen, but had not gone far enough in investigation 
to understand true conditions. A careful examination showed, that 
not a single plant had been torn up as described, the roots of every 
plant was in the ground, but the stalk had been cut off immediately 
below the ground line by wire worms, not cut worms, and we found 
from three to forty or more of these wire worms, around every plant 
we examined. The birds were casting aside the already ruined cabbage 
plants in quest of these worms, wherewith to feed their young and this 
man had unwittingly killed his best friends. Those who drafted the 
law giving protection to these birds understood the great benefit de- 
rived by the agriculturist, and by the horticulturist through the life 
work of the birds, they recognized the fact that the birds in taking 
fruit or berries were simply taking pay for services already rendered. 
They understood how valuable workers in every community were 
liable to be destroyed by men who did not understand what the birds 
were really doing, and so they said, that part of prior law which 
gave men the right to kill birds found destroying fruits or berries, 
should be stricken out of the law, and so it is. 

Prof. Surface, our Economic Zoologist, says the best remedy for the 
bird evil, if it can be so termed, is to plant berry plants and bushes 
or fruit trees beyond your needs, so that, although the birds may take 
a goodly share, you will still have enough and to spare. The pro- 
fessor asserts that the benefit derived from the birds through the 
destruction of injurious insects repays the farmer many times over 
for any or all fruit that may be taken. 



13 

Professor Hornaday, one of our great Naturalists, says : ''All perch- 
ing birds should be protected and especially the robin." He asserts 
that the few berries or cherries they may take are very modest com- 
pensation for the noxious grubs they picked up from the freshly 
ploughed field. He says no self respecting man or boy can afford to 
be guilty of such wrong doing, and no farmer can afford to permit it 
upon his premises. 

Think of the backaches, and sweat and blistered hands saved 
Ihrough the destruction of insects and weeds by our birds, by helping 
them you are surely working in your "wn interest. 

Babbits Killed Out of Season. 

The law permits the owner, or the lessee, of real estate, or any 
member of his or their family and those in their immediate employ, 
as a protection to trees or to growing crops, to kill rabbits upon their 
premises during the close season for rabbits, but says. If a rabbit 
thus killed for the purpose of protection to property, is used for 
food, the person so using it shall be liable to the penalty imposed by 
law for killing rabbits during the close season. The reason for this 
change being, that many farmers and land owners used the rights 
heretofore given, as a cloak under which they hunted and killed game 
of different kinds, including rabbits, at all times, forgetting that 
the game of a state belonged to all the people of that state jointly, 
and *that while the land owner had the right to control his property, 
he did not have the right to hunt and to kill game, at a time when 
the resident of the town, who might not be a land owner, could not 

so hunt. 

Whether or not it is necessary at any time to kill rabbits for this 
reason seems to me to be an open question. 

I, some years ago, had an orchard seriously injured by rabbits or 
mice, or both. Hardly a single tree out of an hundred or more escaped 
unscathed. As soon as the condition was noticed which was not 
until many of them had been absolutely ruined, each tree was treated, 
to the height of about one foot, with ordinary axil grease, that pre- 
paration being highly charged with coal tar and strychnine. Dead 
trees were replaced in the spring by living trees, which were also 
creased. Several winters have passed since that time and but (me 
Imcrle tree has been disturbed, that one a small peach tree, which 
I hlive reason to believe, escaped the grease. I presume there are 
many other effective remedies. I know that a woven wire fence two 
feet high and one inch mesh will protect the garden from rabbits 
and have been informed by good authority that rabbits will m all 
instances refuse to eat anything upon which coal oil has been sprink- 
led my informant stating that a mixture of one tablespoonful of 



n 

oil to a gallon of water sprayed over the growing garden, while not 
in any way affecting or injuring the plants, would be most effectual 
in warding off the attacks of rabbits. This applies to all growing 
things, trees as well as vegetables. 

The rabbit fills an important niche in the economy of nature. 
Aside from the benefits of recreation derived through hunting, he 
is a valuable source of food supply to many creatures other than 
human beings, and owing to the fact that he moves, in the search 
of food, chiefly in the early evening or at night, is the more readily 
seen and taken, by the fox, owl, or other night predatory prowler. 
The more rabbits we have the less liable are foxes and owls and 
weasels and other animals of this character to prey upon our game 
or other birds, or upon the farmer's poultry. The more rabbits we 
have, the less game birds will be killed by the hunter, for the double 
reason, as I believe, that the great majority of hunters prefer to 
shoot rabbits, rather than birds, and I know, that when a rabbit 
hunter and his dog enters an open field or brush lot in the morning, 
every game bird in that section hikes to tall timber, or more dense 
cover. The rabbit dog raises the birds too far ahead of his master 
to be shot, even were he thus disposed. When the bird hunter comes 
along later, much to his chagrin he finds himself entirely cut out. 
The rabbit hunter and his dog, are looked upon by the bird hunter 
about as the sheep man on the plains is viewed by the cattle man, 
which is with no specially kind feeling or regard, rather the contrary. 

The birds and the rabbits each have their place to fill and are each 
in their jjlace doing more good than harm. 

POISON. 

We have in this State a law, just and proper, that forbids the 
placing of poison for the purpose of intentionally killing domestic 
animals or dogs. The penalty for violation of this act includes 
imprisonment, as well as a cash penalty. There is still another law 
that forbids the placing of poison outside of buildings for the pur- 
pose of killing wild animals or birds. Still, the Game Commission, 
through its duly authorized agents, has the right under the law to 
destroy vermin and predatory wild animals and birds harmful to 
game and other wild birds in such a way, as to them may seem best. 

Experience teaches us that it is next to impossible to reach many 
of the wild predatory creatures of our State, except through the 
use of poison. I take it the purpose of placing poison may well be 
judged from the point where it is deposited or the vehicle used to 
convey it, and, therefore, in attempting to select methods of con- 
veyance for this remedy, have tried to decide upon certain things 
not likely to be taken by domestic animals of any kind, or by a dog. 



15 

I found that by introducing as much strychnine as will be taken 
up by an ordinary musket cap into the body of an English sparrow, 
a mouse, a piece of fish or eel, and dropping same into a stone wall 
or stone pile, hollow log, or stump along the line of travel of vermin, 
many animals such as the skunk, the weasel, the mink, and the 
house cat will be stopped in its predatory career, and such action 
will add tenfold to the safety of the quail, the wild turkey, the 
pheasant or any other ground nesting, or ground-feeding birds. The 
dead body of a rabbit, a chicken, sparrow, or mouse, treated in this 
way, tied to the end of a stick, say two feet in length, placed in 
the hollow of a tree near the ground, bait end up, so that the lower 
portion of the poisoned bait will be above the top of the opening will 
serve a splendid purpose. Poison may be used in perfect safety in 
the above ways, the dog not being able to get at it even if so dis- 
posed, while smaller animals will be able to reach it easily. 

One gentleman recently told me of three weasels he killed in this 
way with one bait, the bait in this instance being the body of a 
rabbit, killed by a weasel. A dog is not likely to eat any of the 
aforementioned bait, even it he should find it in the woods. If placed 
as directed it will be out of reach, should he pass that way. When 
the warm rains begin, bait of this kind will quickly be decomposed 
and rendered harmless, even should it not be taken by vermin. Many 
L predatory animal and bird Avill be called down in this way without 
the aid of a bounty law, or the expense attached thereto. Untold 
numbers of rats and mice will also be killed, far more in my opinion 
than would or could be killed by th6 foxes or weasels, and with no 
harm to birds, or to any other thing of value to the State. 

A TEAPPEK'S SECRET. 

I have been assured that dogs will not eat the flesh of a musk rat, 
while <ats of all kinds, and foxes are passionately fond of it. I am 
told, thai if you will catch a number of musk rats, place the skinned 
carcasses in any suitable recepticle, for carrying, tie one of the car- 
casses to the end of a string, dragging it as you walk through the 
woods, or brush lot, a fox, cat, mink, weasel, or skunk traveling 
around at night and striking this trail will surely follow it to the 
point where you have prepared your entertainment for him. Every 
trapper in his travels, sees what he terms "likely places for vermin," 
at each one of these places, the man with the musk rats, builds a cairn, 
or pile of fairly good sized stones, laid say an inch or two apart, in 
the centre he places the carcass, or a part of one of his musk rats, 
and on top a fairly heavy flat stone, on the outside of this pile of 
stones, where it will be easily found, he places a small piece of musk 
rat, say about the size of the end of your thumb, nicely loaded with 



16 

strychnine, the victim finds this piece and wastes his time in trying 
to secure the larger piece inside the stone pile uniil it is too late, 
the carcass is right beside the stone pile and i,.>t awa\ off in the brush, 
where it could not be found without a .<>• od tracking snow. This 
method is worthy of trial by any who are icilling vermin for pelts. 

The good done by the crow, through the destruction of mice or 
insects, does not appear to weigh in the balance against the wrong 
done by these same birds. The rapid disappearance of prairie 
chicken in Indiana, Illinois and other prairie States of the west is, 
it is claimed, directly attributable to the crow, that, from morning to 
night, month in and m.outh out, preys upon the eggs and young of 
these birds, and has been known, in very many instances, to attack 
and kill nearly full grown prairie chickens. 

Dr. Warren tells me of a spot in Pennsylvania known to himself 
where the ground, under a small clump of trees during the laying and 
nesting time of the wild waterfowl, especially the mud hen, is covered 
to the depth of several inches by the shells of the eggs of these birds, 
all of which were stolen by crows, that, in scores and hundreds, sweep 
over the marshes in that locality, devouring every egg and destroying 
every young bird they can find. We all know how the robin and very 
many other of our small birds, during their nesting time, are driven 
almost to the window sills of our home by the voracious crow, which, 
to my mind, destroys individually more birds of all kinds, more birds' 
eggs and more young poultry, than any hawk that ever flapped a 
wing. A little corn boiled until swollen and soft, with the addition 
of a little strychnine, will cure the crow of many bad habits. I am 
told that corn thoroughly soaked in strong salt water will have the 
same effect upon crows. The brine of a mackerel tub is just the 
thing for this purpose. 

Remember it requires but little salt to kill a chicken, so that corn 
prepared in this manner should in all instances be so placed in a 
pile, on a board, on a piece of paper, or in such other manner, as 
to make its removal easy and complete, after it has served the specific 
purpose intended. It should never be scattered over a field or be 
left exposed longer than is absolutely necessary to accomplish the 
object in view, otherwise you may lose your hens. 

The question of placing jjoison has been considered in very many 
phases. Experiments of various descriptions have been tried, some 
upon chickens, some with ducks, some upon turkeys, some upon 
quail and upon different kinds of wild birds other than game birds, 
and upon animals. One gentleman, a prominent physician, told me 
of feeding nux vomica to a chicken, a common hen, in quantities 
sufficient to have produced fully fifteen grains of strychnine with no 
injurious result to the hen. The gentleman saying, the only visible 
effect so far as he could see, was that the hen appeared to have lost 



17 

confidence in Lim. Six quail were repeatedly given excessive doses 
of strychnine, enough, at each time and to each bird, to have caused 
the death of several men. The birds seemed to have been wholly un- 
■affected by the poison. One of these birds was afterwards killed by 
having forced into its craw two or three times the quantity adminis- 
tered in the first instance. Turkeys withstood excessive doses of 
this poison, while a duck succumbed, after swallowing a small quan- 
tity. Crows and blackbirds were easily killed by the administration 
of small doses. I learned from a reliable source that residents of 
certain countries had for long periods been in the habit of mixing 
nux vomica with the food given their chickens at certain times — the 
purpose being to kill hawks — and that while the poison did not 
appear in any way to affect the chicken, it was sure to kill any hawk 
that might within the limit of several hours or days, partake of a 
chicken thus impregnated. While none of these experiments have 
been carried to an absolute conclusion, they did determine beyond 
question, that a fixed quantity of strychnine would not affect all 
animals and birds in the same way. That many birds appear to be 
absolutely immune to its effects; that they are wholly unaffected 
by a dose in quantity sufficient to kill several men; and that many 
four-footed animals are easily killed through the use of this agent. 
While our protectors found the dead bodies of many animals killed 
by this poison, they have not yet discovered the body of one single 
bird, either game or otherwise, apparently determining beyond ques- 
tion, that strychnine is the solution of the vermin problem, and that 
when administered as directed by this office in a special vehicle, such 
as the dead body of a sparrow, or a piece of fish, both of which de- 
compose quickly, and disappear, placed in a special locality, namely 
on the wild lands of the State; and at a special time, namely, late 
in the fall, after the close of the game season, and again early in 
the spring, nothing but good and benefit to the State can result. 

Read what Powers and Weigh tman, manufacturers of drugs, Pliila 
<ielphia, say upon this subject: 

"STRYCHNINE." 

"We are occasionally solicited, by persons interested in the poison- 
ing of wolves, squirrels, gophers, and other destructive animals, to 
suggest some preparation quicker to act, and more certain in results, 
than Strychnine ; but, we know of none. 

Strychnine, when of good quality is very active, and excessively 
poisonous. Its results, as a rule, are quick, uniform, and certain. 
While this is so, however, and while it operates in the same way upon 
almost all animals, when the system has been brought decidedly 
under its influence, (producing violent tonic spasms of the muscles. 

9 



18 

like those of tetanus), yet, considerable variation is found in different 
individuals to resist the poison. 

Some persons are powerfully affected by the smallest doses. One 
half a grain of Sulphate of Strychnine has produced death in four- 
teen minutes, while a case is recorded in which recovery took place 
after seven grains of Strychnine had been swallowed. 

So, in the lower animals, it is found that all are not equally sus- 
ceptible. One sixth— even on eighth — of a grain, it is said, will 
kill a large dog. Ten times as much Strychnine is required to kill 
chickens as other birds, weight for weight; and among mammals 
the guinea-pig is very insensitive to it. 

Where those interested in the destruction of wolves, etc., fail to 
obtain expected results, they are apt to question the purity of the 
Strychnine; but, we think it may safely be asserted, that the Strych- 
nine found in our markets is of good quality, and the fault is not 
with the poison itself. 

Experience will suggest, to the trapper and hunter, more accurately 
than the manufacturer can do, the required amount to be used,, and 
the best methods of preparing the bait. It will also remind him that 
more Strychnine is required to kill a large, than a small animal ; that 
where size is about the same some may be able to resist a dose that 
would be fatal to others; and that the same animal may not be, at 
all times, equally susceptible to its power." 

Kemember, the law prohibits the placing of poison by the general 
public in Pennsylvania. 

Kemember, is using strychnine, that it is a deadly poison, and 
should in all ways be most carefully handled and cared for. 

TKEATMENT OF STRYCHNINE POISONING. 

"The antidote is tannic acid to form the insoluble tannate, or a 
soluble salt of iodine. Then emetics or the stomach pump, followed 
by perfect quiet, which is very important. Voraet as quickly and as 
thorov.ghly as possible. A teaspoonful of common salt to a pint of 
warm (not hot) water makes a splendid and thorough emetic. Drink 
as much water thus prepared as possible, then stick your finger 
down your throat. Antagonists are chloral, chloroform, chamomile 
oil, phsostigma, tobacco and potassium bromide, the latter being^so 
slow of action it is rarely available. The bladder must be frequently 
evacuated, to prevent re-absorbtion of the poison. 

If poisoned, use any of these remedies that can be the most easily 
obtained and send for your physician at once." 

Vermin must be destroyed, if we hope to increase our small game, 
or other animals or birds, or our wild birds other than game birds. 

Respectfully yours, 

JOSEPH KALBFUS, 
Secretarv of Game Commission. 



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